11-17-2025 - Minutes - Planning Commission - PC minutes Nov

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Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting Monday, November 17, 2025, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 The Planning Commission discussed the item and asked questions of staff and the applicant, Ron Ungerman, Ungerman, Inc., Plymouth. Chair Bollis opened the public hearing at 9:30 p.m. There were no public comments. Chair Bollis closed the public hearing at 9:30 p.m. Commissioners asked staff to explain why they did not find the practical difficulty criteria to be met. Commissioners noted the practical difficulty of the site and the fact that the building has been there for decades. The bump -out is only six feet and covers part of an existing driveway. Structural hardcover would be increasing but not over the limit. The proposal would provide for the hidden storage of recreational items such as a boat. Commissioners also noted that rules are in place for a reason. The property owner could bump out a portion of the east side rather than the entire length and not need a variance. Commissioners suggested the City should take another look at conditions for accessory buildings and ADUs. Brandabur moved, Jarnot seconded, to approve LA25-000051, 4680 North Shore Drive, Variance, as applied. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 4 (Ressler, Tift, Prchal, Weltzin). Weltzin moved, Prchal seconded, to deny LA25-000051, 4680 North Shore Drive, Variance VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 3 (Brandabur, Bollis, Jarnot). 6. OTHER ITEMS 6.1 LA25-000044, Scott Englund o/b/o Barbara Lupient, 3230 Wayzata Blvd., Sketch Plan. The Planning Commission is requested to review the Staff report, receive a presentation, and discuss and provide feedback. The plan is for 26 detached townhomes on Lake Classen in the Highway 12 corridor. The current zoning is rural residential, and the parcel is outside the area for City services. It would need to have City services to be approved. The Planning Commission asked questions of the staff and the applicants. Planning Commission discussion centered on the proposed density at that location and the desirability of extending the boundary of City services known as the MUSA line. Commissioners also discussed whether a proposed lakeview platform near the lake could be approved. 6.2 Chair Appointment Discussion Staff invited the Commmission to make a recommendation to the City Council for the positions of chair and vice chair for 2026. The City Council typically makes appointments in December. Bollis indicated he would be ready to step down as chair and not serve as vice chair in the coming year. Several new cornmissioners noted they would like to serve on the Commission longer before stepping into either of those roles. Page 5 of 6 11